Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen Trigger State of Emergency as Tensions Rise With UAE

Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after Saudi airstrikes hit an arms shipment linked to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council. The strikes took place in Mukalla in Yemen’s Hadramout region. The forces also announced a 72-hour halt on all border crossings, airports, and ports unless cleared by Saudi authorities. The move marks a sharp rise in pressure inside the anti-Houthi coalition.According to Reuters and other major outlets, the airstrikes targeted armored vehicles and weapons that had arrived on ships from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has not issued a response.

Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen Deepen Rift Inside Anti-Houthi Coalition

The Saudi Press Agency confirmed the strikes. It said the weapons posed a direct threat to security in the region. It described the action as a limited military operation. Officials said the shipment was meant for the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the UAE.Mukalla has come under tighter control by STC forces in recent days. The city sits about 480 kilometers from Aden, the main base of Yemen’s anti-Houthi authorities. The STC recently pushed out forces tied to the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces. This shift has raised alarm inside the coalition.Saudi jets also struck STC positions last Friday. Analysts said that strike was a warning to halt the Council’s advance. The new attack signals that the message has not been heeded. According to BBC and AP reporting, both countries have supported opposing factions in Yemen’s war for several years.The rivalry has grown sharper as both sides try to shape Yemen’s future. The STC supports renewed independence for South Yemen. Many STC supporters have held rallies in recent days. They wave the former South Yemen flag and call for a full break from the north.

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The Saudi-UAE split over Yemen has been growing. Both nations remain close partners in oil and security. But they compete for power and influence. They also back opposing groups in Sudan’s conflict. The new airstrikes show how fragile their alignment has become.Analysts say the split could weaken the larger fight against the Houthi movement. A divided coalition may give the Houthis more room to expand. The crisis also puts pressure on civilians in the south. Aid groups worry that new restrictions on ports and borders may disrupt food and medical supplies.The state of emergency adds new uncertainty. Many in Aden fear more clashes may follow. Others hope the 72-hour ban may create space for talks. But the rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi appears to be widening. The next steps may decide the balance of power in southern Yemen.

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The situation remains tense. The effects of the Saudi airstrikes in Yemen will shape both regional alliances and the war’s next phase. The coming days will be critical for all sides.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the Saudi airstrikes in Yemen?

Saudi forces hit an arms shipment meant for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council. Officials said the weapons threatened security in the region. The shipment arrived from Fujairah in the UAE.

Q2: Why did Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces declare a state of emergency?

They did so after the airstrikes and rising tensions. The emergency includes a 72-hour halt on border crossings and ports. Only Saudi-cleared travel is allowed.

Q3: Where did the strikes happen?

The strikes took place in Mukalla in Hadramout. The city has been under increased STC control. It lies northeast of Aden.

Q4: How are Saudi Arabia and the UAE involved?

Saudi Arabia backs the National Shield Forces. The UAE backs the Southern Transitional Council. Their rivalry drives conflict in southern Yemen.

Q5: What does this mean for the wider war?

The rift may weaken the anti-Houthi coalition. It could also fuel more instability in the south. Analysts warn the Houthis may benefit.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC